Matheus Cunha hasn’t just been a bright spot in Manchester United’s attack this season—he’s been a key reason the club clawed its way back into the Champions League. But the Brazilian forward’s debut campaign at Old Trafford almost didn’t happen the way it did. And in a recent sit-down with AS, he dropped a candid detail that United fans will be buzzing about: he tried to keep Casemiro from leaving.
Why Cunha’s First Season Mattered More Than the Numbers
The 27-year-old winger arrived from Wolves last summer as part of a squad overhaul that saw a mass exodus of attacking players. On paper, his stat line of 10 goals and 4 assists in 35 Premier League appearances is solid. But context matters. United finished third in the 2025/26 campaign, scoring 69 league goals—just two fewer than champions Arsenal. And Cunha brought more than just numbers.
His pace and guile gave United a dimension they’d lacked, helping the team stay competitive even as Ruben Amorim and then Michael Carrick rotated the lineup. Cunha became a first-team regular under both managers, and he credits one thing for that consistency: peace of mind.
The Secret to His Form: Comfort, Not Crowds
“From day one, I felt comfortable and was welcomed incredibly well by the players, the staff and the fans,” Cunha said. “I found the peace of mind I needed to perform at my best on the field, and that allowed me to have an excellent season.”
He acknowledged that accepting United’s project meant understanding the size of the club and everything that comes with it. “I think it has been a positive season for the club. We managed to get United back into the Champions League, and we hope to continue on this upward trajectory next season. We have a lot of confidence in our work.”
Cunha’s Push to Keep Casemiro at Old Trafford
One of the more intriguing revelations from the interview: Cunha admitted he actively tried to convince veteran midfielder Casemiro to stay with United. “I did try to convince Casemiro to stay, and so did the entire Manchester United fan base,” Cunha said. “Casemiro is one of the great players in our game and he would undoubtedly help us a lot if he stayed. He was one of the players who welcomed me with open arms when I arrived, and I’m very grateful for that. If I could, I would keep him here for another year.”
Casemiro’s eventual departure was a storyline that divided fans, but Cunha’s public support of the midfielder offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the locker room dynamics. United has not officially commented on the matter.
What’s Next for United—and for Cunha
With Champions League soccer back on the schedule, Cunha believes United is ready to challenge on multiple fronts. “In the final stretch of last season, we produced excellent results and performances against the teams at the top of the table,” he said. “We understand the stature of this club and where it belongs. If everyone pulls together and works for the good of the club, we hope to get Manchester United back on the path to winning.”
For now, fans will be keeping an eye on Cunha’s form at the 2026 World Cup, where he’s expected to feature prominently for Brazil. If his first season at Old Trafford is any indication, the best may still be ahead.
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